Tasmanian Orthotic/Prosthetic Services Concession

What Is This Payment?

Orthotic Prosthetic Services Tasmania (OPST) is the public service that designs, fits and supplies orthoses (braces and supports) and prosthetic limbs for Tasmanians. For people on a limited income, even the public contribution towards these devices can be a barrier.

The rule database tags this as a Group B benefit with eligibility_only as its result role. That means it does not pay you money; it reduces what you contribute towards orthotic and prosthetic services if you hold a qualifying concession card.

It only covers the portion of the cost that is not the responsibility of another scheme. If your need arises from a motor accident (MAIB), a work injury (workers compensation), DVA entitlement or an NDIS plan, that scheme pays first.

How Much Can You Get?

The amount block is eligibility_only with period: none. There is no direct cash payment; the value is the reduced fee you pay at OPST for orthotic and prosthetic services.

• Reduced contribution towards braces, orthoses and prosthetic limbs supplied through OPST.
• Applies to the uncovered portion only — costs met by MAIB, workers compensation, DVA or the NDIS are paid by those schemes first.
• Ongoing, so the concession can apply each time you need a new or replacement device while you hold a qualifying card.

Eligibility Conditions

The eligibility block is an all set, so every condition must pass.

1. Tasmanian resident: state = TAS. The concession is delivered through Tasmania's public health service.
2. Qualifying concession card: concession_card_type is a Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card or DVA Gold Card.

You also need a referral from a GP, allied health professional or specialist before OPST will see you — the assessment confirms an orthotic or prosthetic need, not just card status.

Because the help is tied to OPST's clinical service, it is most useful once you have your referral and an appointment booked. Bring your concession card to the appointment so the reduced fee can be applied.

How To Apply

The channel is referral. You reach the concession through a health professional, not by lodging a separate form.

• Ask your GP, allied health professional or specialist for a referral to Orthotic Prosthetic Services Tasmania.
• Bring your concession card and referral to your OPST appointment.
• Confirm at the appointment which costs are covered by another scheme (MAIB, workers compensation, DVA or NDIS) and which attract the concession.

Read the official Tasmanian Orthotic/Prosthetic Services Concession guidance

Rule-Based Scenarios

Scenario 1: a new ankle-foot orthosis

Margaret in Launceston holds a Pensioner Concession Card and is referred by her GP for an ankle-foot orthosis after a stroke. At OPST the concession reduces her contribution towards the device.

Scenario 2: a replacement prosthetic limb

Tom, a Health Care Card holder, needs his below-knee prosthesis refitted. With his referral and card, the concession applies to the cost OPST would otherwise charge him.

Scenario 3: cost covered by another scheme

Priya's leg brace is needed because of a work injury, so workers compensation pays. The concession only applies to any part of the cost that scheme does not cover.

Scenario 4: no card presented

David forgets to bring his DVA Gold Card to the appointment, so the reduced fee is not applied at the time. Presenting the card up front avoids paying the full contribution.

Common Mistakes

• Assuming it is a cash payment: the concession lowers what you pay at OPST; it does not send you money.
• Skipping the referral: OPST needs a GP, allied health or specialist referral before it will see you and apply the concession.
• Expecting it to override other schemes: MAIB, workers compensation, DVA and the NDIS pay first; the concession only covers the remaining portion.
• Leaving your card at home: bring your concession card to the appointment so the reduced fee can be applied.
• Thinking any card qualifies: only a Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card or DVA Gold Card is listed in the rule.
• Assuming it covers private providers: the concession is delivered through OPST, the public service, not private orthotic or prosthetic clinics.

Related Benefits

• Tasmanian Lymphoedema Compression Garment Assistance — help for card holders managing lymphoedema.
• Tasmanian Hospital Concessional Parking — reduced or free hospital parking for eligible patients.
• Tasmanian public dental — subsidised dental care for concession card holders.
• TasEquip Community Equipment Scheme — aids and equipment for daily living.
• Health Care Card — federal card giving cheaper medicines and concessions.
• Disability Support Pension — federal income support for long-term incapacity.

Frequently Asked Questions